Image via Complex Original
You can learn a lot of intimate details about rappers from the things they say on wax. Stuff like their political views, health issues they face, and factors that influenced their upbringing. Or, whether or not they like onions on their Portobello Mushroom Burger from Jack in the Box.
It’s true—many rappers love to spill their guts about the meals they eat, whether it’s a five-course feast from an executive chef, or a home-cooked fishplate from their favorite auntie’s house. Some rappers even pen whole songs paying homage to their favorite eatery or mouth-watering dish. We’re all trying to eat, both literally and figuratively, but who knew so many rappers were foodies? While not everyone is as eloquent with the cuisine 16s as Action Bronson, food raps almost always hit the spot when they are delivered on time, if for nothing else than the humor they normally supply.
They also say something about the MC’s taste. While the ashy to classy dynamic often transfers to the palate, some rappers can’t help but keep it street when it comes to their favorite eats.
Forget food for thought. These are thoughts for food.
Jadakiss: Fried Chicken
Song: “24 Hrs. to Live”
“If I had 24 hours to kick the bucket, f--k it/I'd probably eat some fried chicken and drink a Nantucket.”
Put your last meal request down on audio so we know it’s real. If it all ended tomorrow you know Kiss would be somewhere, posted up, scarfing down some fried-up fowl. Because, let’s keep it real, what’s better than fried chicken?
Rocko: Mexican Food
Song: “Nachos”
“Favorite food is chicken, chop it cover the tacos/Add mozzarella and cheddar, nachos.”
Mexican cuisine is a favorite among many. And though this is probably doubling as a metaphor about money, we can imagine the Atlanta rapper’s Sprinter bus filled with discarded taco wrappers and used-up hot sauce packs.
The Notorious B.I.G.: Steak
Song: “Big Poppa”
“Go fill my belly/A T-bone steak, cheese eggs, and Welch’s grape.”
Don’t forget your greens, kids. Besides that, Big’s late night meal request is filled with tons of protein for pushing on until the sun comes up. And who doesn’t like Welch’s grape, the overlord of all non-acidic juices? A meal fit for a king of New York.
Big Pun: Shark Salad
Song: “Banned From TV”
“Champagne on the rocks, rockin’ a Fort Knox Lazarus/Shark salad with carrots, pork chops, and applesauce.”
Just imagining the late Terror Squad capo bibbed up and grubbing on the aforementioned meal makes us lol. First of all, shark meat sounds like it should be illegal. And second, just hearing the portly Pun say the words salad and applesauce in the same sentence is entertaining.
Rick Ross: Lemon Pepper Wings
Song: “U.O.E.N.O”
“Birds all in my dreams/Boats all in my yard/Lemon pepper my wings.”
You can bring Rozay some vastly inferior buffalo wings if you want to, but the Bawse has made it clear in numerous rhymes—he only likes drummettes with the finest of lemon and pepper seasonings. Anything else would be uncivilized.
2 Chainz: Turkey Lasagna
Song: “G.O.O.D. Morning”
“My favorite dish is turkey lasagna/Even my pajamas designer.”
A couple years back Dos Chainz was a meal-picture-taking fool on Instagram, frequently showing off his vittles. He apparently found love in a cool lasagna alternative, for those who don’t eat beef or put pork on their fork.
Pimp C: Shrimp
Song: “Sippin’ on Some Syrup”
“We eat so many shrimp, I got iodine poisoning.”
Talk about go hard or go home, sheesh. Symptoms of an iodine overdose can be abdominal pain, delirium, fever, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Apparently Chad went into his shrimp-eating sessions with a starving man’s mentality.
CeeLo: Soul Food
Song: “Soul Food”
“A heaping helping of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens/Too big for my jeans.”
Pass the sweet tea with enough sugar in it to thicken the blood. After all that goodness we’d be ready to unzip our flies and let the belly hang too. Toothpick optional. Nap coming in 5…4…3…2…
Ludacris: Lobster
Song: “On Top of the World”
“Catch us eatin’ at Straits Atlanta with women with table manners/Ordering Singaporean lobster.”
We’re just guessing this is the type of stuff they don’t stock in your average seafood joint. Throwing a location in front of your meal always makes it better than it actually tastes.
Boosie Badazz: Crawfish
Song: “Green Light Special”
“Let’s eat some raw s--t/Fettuccine and steak and have some crawfish.”
Ah, crawfish, the Louisiana staple. The fettuccine and steak is a nice touch for a date-night meal too. All he needs is some red wine. Look at Boosie Boo trying to get him some.
Meek Mill: PB&J and French Toast
Song: “Dreams Worth More Than Money (Freestyle)”
“It's levels to this s--t, dog, you won't believe my life/Peanut butter jelly on a French toast, eating right.”
We would have pegged Meek as more of a cheesesteak cat, but maybe that’s stereotyping. Apparently the Philly rapper has a killer sweet tooth.
Action Bronson: Lamb Brain
Song: “Thug Love Story 2012”
“It’s a damn shame/I’m just chilling eating lamb brain.”
Whoa. Andrew Zimmern would be proud. Don’t knock it until you try it, we guess? It probably tastes like chicken anyway.